Magical-Dawg with Seren-Kitty, pastel by my dad.

‘Tis the season, dog lovers! I remember one year when my dad sent me a pastel portrait of my German Shepherd, Magic (with the cat). They’d NEVER get that close in real life! That painting is one of my favorite treasures to this day. Finding the perfect gift for your dog and dog-obsessed friends and family can be tricky. But it’s so worth it to see their huge smile when they unwrap that pawsome present!

If you’re on the hunt for dog-riffic gifts, look no further. You’re sure to find something outrageously fun, quirky, adorable or practical for the dog-loving people and dogs in your life below.

Bravo, a very-good-boy.

One-of-a-kind custom dog painting. Imagine if you received a custom portrait of your dear dog. This Etsy shop takes a photo of your pet and turns it into a masterpiece. Pet art makes a difference because it celebrates special moments, or even memorializes a beautiful relationship. I commissioned this portrait of Bravo after he left us.

You can also “Cartoonify Your Pets” with Hand-Drawn Custom Pet Portraits from Pet Creations Art. Just “click” on the dog-mouse image below to learn more!

On the road with doggy best friends. Yes, the weather gets frightful this time of year, but many people (and their dogs) enjoy camping all year long. I’ve never seen a pop-up camper tent like this–looks like there’s room for you and a couple of furry friends, and now’s the time to plan for later travel events. Bow-wow!

A customized throw pillow. Who wouldn’t love a custom pillow of their beloved dog? Scroll through your friend’s social media feed to find the perfect photo of their pet to use for the pillow design.

Stocking stuffer for doggy toes. Dr. Buzby’s Toe Grips offer a great option for canines to get a better “grip” on things. Old dogs, frail dogs, any dog with balance issues on slick surfaces benefit. Now we have hardwood floors, I know this will help prevent our Shadow-Pup from “spinning his wheels” during zoomies.

Pet ID. Another GREAT stocking stuffer that can save a dog’s life is the UNDERCOLLAR, an easy to use and fit slip on that fits beneath an existing collar or harness. I got one to test for Shadow-Pup. Five years in the making, the gorgeous packaging, craftsmanship, and insightful design and purpose can’t be beat! This is the world’s only stretch band slip-on QR Code pet ID collar. Anyone finding your pet can scan the code with their smart phone, and you immediately get an alert. It’s insurance for your pet, and meant to be worn 24/7. It comes in blue, pink, and orange, and white, with six sizes. It fits tiny pets to horses! For a limited time, it’s on sale for the holidays. Get one for your pet, and one for your family and friends’ pets.

A gift certificate always fits. Everyone loves pet-related gifts, but sometimes it’s hard to know exactly what a pet-parent wants or needs. A gift certificate to a local pet specialty store or online location like Chewy.com, a groomer or pet sitter, or a gift card to choose whatever they like online, is always a favorite. If you know someone who has been talking about adding a pet to their family, a certificate to cover the adoption fee at your local shelter would be an awesome choice!

Get fun or important info with DNA Kit. Not sure about the dog’s breed? Try a Dog WIsdom DNA Test. Many dogs, especially rescues, are a mix of lots of breeds. My Shadow-Pup is a Kelpie wannabe, and the DNA test would be great to identify any potential hidden health issues. Dognomics also has a DNA Test for dogs.

How about a book dedicated to your dog? From puppies to old-fogies, vital athletes, or first-aid for just-in-case emergencies, I’ve got you covered. Prefer dog-centric thrills? Yep, have those, too. Choose your pick of the litter-ati, and then EMAIL me (amy@shojai.com) your snail mail address and how you want it signed. I’ll send you a paw-tographed bookplate signed to the dog (or the human) you can download and print on a sticky label to insert into the book. *s* The physical books are available on Amazon, and on Barnes & Noble, or ask your local indie store to order for you.

What’s the best dog-inspired gift you’ve ever gotten? Post a pic on my Facebook page or share in the comments.

I love hearing from you, so please share comments and questions. Do you have an ASK AMY question you’d like answered? Do you have a new kitten and need answers?  Stay up to date on all the latest just subscribe the blog, “like” me on Facebook, and sign up for Pet Peeves newsletter. Stay up to date with the latest book give aways and appearances related to my September Day pet-centric THRILLERS WITH BITE!